The cheapest and fastest buses from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Cheapest price
$274
Average price
$350
Fastest journey
22 h 10 m
Average duration
23 h 20 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
1438 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL will cost around $350 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $274.
It's difficult to get from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL without transferring at least once.






Travel Information
Compare bus for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €112. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €112, and a flight costs an average of €199.
Distance: 893 miles (1438 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
€146 Average price Cheapest | €304 Average price | €253 Average price |
23h 23m Average total duration 22h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 18m Average total duration Fastest 7h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 38h 15m Average total duration 37h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL bus times
The table below shows live departures for Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL buses for today, Thursday, February 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:30 AM Gainesville, FL | 23h45 | 11:15 AM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:50 PM Gainesville, FL | 24h05 | 2:55 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:15 PM Gainesville, FL | 22h10 | 3:25 PM Chicago, IL | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL by bus
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Feb 06
Feb 07
Feb 08
Feb 09
Feb 10
Feb 11
Feb 12
Why should you book Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Buses from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL run on average 13 times per day, taking around 22h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $141 (€112) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:10. The fastest bus covers the 893 miles (1438 km) distance in 23h 15m.
Distance 893 miles (1438 km) |
Average bus duration 22h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $141 (€112) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 23h 15m |
First bus 00:15 |
Last bus 23:10 |
Bus providers: Greyhound, FlixBus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, ILYou can travel by bus between Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL with Greyhound, FlixBus for as low as $141 (€112). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
Greyhound
FAQs: Bus from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Chicago, IL, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Millennium Park, a public park known for its modern art installations and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture
- Art Institute of Chicago, a renowned museum housing an extensive collection of art from around the world
- Navy Pier, a popular entertainment destination featuring rides, restaurants, and lakefront views
- Willis Tower Skydeck, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the Western Hemisphere
- Field Museum, a natural history museum with vast exhibits including the famous T. rex skeleton, Sue.
- Museum of Science and Industry, an interactive museum featuring exhibits on science, technology, and industry
- Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Chicago, such as Wicker Park and Lincoln Park, known for their unique shops and eateries
- Take a river cruise to see the city's iconic architecture from a different perspective
- Attend a live performance at the historic Chicago Theatre
- Enjoy a day at Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the U.S., offering free admission.
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
Most popular bus connections from Gainesville, FL
More options for your journey from Gainesville, FL to Chicago, IL
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